Dental Hygienist

Harrah Dentistry & Braces; Harrah (OK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Harrah Dentistry & Braces in Harrah, OK is seeking a skilled Dental Hygienist to perform patient screenings, clean teeth, take x-rays, and provide preventive care guidance.

You will work with the dentist to plan treatments, maintain sterile operatory, educate patients on oral health, and help manage appointments and supplies; a CODA-accredited education and state license are required.

Qualifications

• Must have a CODA-accredited dental hygiene degree and state license.
• Excellent patient care and communication skills.
• Ability to take and develop dental radiographs.
• Knowledge of infection control and HIPAA compliance.
• Expanded functions are a plus if allowed by license.

Responsibilities

• Screen patients and review health history.
• Clean teeth and remove calculus.
• Take and develop dental radiographs.
• Administer local anesthesia when licensed.
• Apply preventive materials like sealants and fluorides.
• Provide nutrition and oral health counseling.
• Prepare operatories and sterilize instruments.
• Assist dentists and manage appointments and supplies.
• Maintain OSHA and HIPAA compliance.

Skills

Patient care

Radiographs

Infection control

Oral health education

Local anesthesia (licensed)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Dental Hygiene

CODA-accredited program / degree

State dental hygienist license

Expanded functions if allowed

Job description

Job purposeDental Hygienists conduct initial patient screenings, clean teeth (e.g. remove plaque) andadvise patients on oral health and preventative care. Dental Hygienists alsohelp dentists decide treatments for teeth or gum diseases and handle dental emergencies.Duties and responsibilitiesConducting patient screening procedures, such as assessment of oral health conditions,review of the health history, oral cancer screening, head and neck inspection, dentalcharting, perio-charting, and taking blood pressure and pulseTaking and developing dental radiographs (x-rays)Perform local anesthesia and administer nitrous oxideRemoving calculus and plaque (hard and soft deposits) from all surfaces of the teethApplying preventive materials to the teeth (e.g., sealants and fluorides)Teaching patients appropriate oral hygiene strategies to maintain oral health;(e.g., tooth brushing, flossing, and nutritional counseling)Counseling patients about good nutrition and its impact on oral healthMaking impressions of patient's teeth for study casts (models of teeth used by dentists toevaluate patient treatment needs)Identifying conditions like gingivitis, caries, or periodontitisPreparing operatories by sterilizing instruments and moving equipment into placeCalling patients to maintain the scheduleMonitor and order dental supplies as neededPerforming documentation and office management activitiesAbility to run a double hygiene schedule with an assistantProviding support to dentists and other staff as neededMaintaining OSHA and HIPPA complianceOther job duties as assignedHigh school diploma or equivalentAssociate degree or higher from a dental hygiene school accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA)State-certified dental hygienist licenseExpanded functions preferred if not covered by licenseo Local AnesthesiaWorking conditionsDental practices run at a fast pace and dental hygienists will be required to keep up with the flowof doctors and patients.Physical requirementsDental Hygienists will be required to:Use their hands and feet to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.Repeat the same movements.Bend or twist their body.Sit for long periods.Stand for long periods.Lifting up to 50 poundsReports to: Area Director of Operations/Operations Manager & Operating DoctorDirect reports: None.